Entrepreneur Spotlight: Chris Johnson

Chris Johnson is a local creator, innovator, and entrepreneur who radiates positive energy wherever he goes. It’s not just in his DNA, but also how he was raised. Chris credits his parents, his mom a long-time employee at Sears and his dad a firefighter with the Evansville Fire Department, for bringing him and his younger brother up to be the best they could be no matter what life or society threw their way.

Like a lot of innovators, Chris was a good student but didn’t love school. Looking back, he’s come to realize that he needed more hands on, project-based learning. After graduating from Bosse High School, Chris attended college at the University of Southern Indiana (USI), Ivy Tech in Evansville, and Ivy Tech in Bloomington before earning his bachelors degree in Public Relations and Advertising at USI. A versatile major, this degree would give him the tools for any occupational field he chose, and that was of the upmost importance to him.

A lover of life and new experiences, Chris headed to Gainesville, Florida with his girlfriend, their cats, and a dream of success as an entrepreneur. He was hired as an Admissions Recruitment Specialist for Santa Fe College, and then shortly after, he received an offer from the University of Florida to help launch UF Online Onestop. This platform supports the academic affair service needs of online students including admissions, financial aid, the registrar’s office, and bursars office. Chris worked diligently with two others to bring it to life. 

So what drew him back to Evansville? Opportunity! 

For Chris “CJ” Johnson, Evansville isn’t just home—it’s a place filled with untapped potential. After gaining experience and sharpening his skills, CJ felt a strong pull to return and pour his energy into the very community that helped shape him.

Today, CJ serves in dual roles at Ivy Tech Community College as a Network Development Specialist, connecting employers with students through job shadowing and internship opportunities, and in Entrepreneurship Support, where he teaches more than 20 aspiring entrepreneurs how to develop, build, and launch businesses—all within a single academic year.

His approach to education is anything but traditional. CJ leads with a project-based learning model—no tests, no exams, and no busywork—just real-world application, execution, and results.

And that’s just his “Clark Kent” role.

Behind the scenes, CJ is also the CEO of IGOTBOOM, LLC, a forward-thinking consulting and strategic solutions company. His mission is simple: help individuals and organizations solve problems, reach their goals, and elevate their vision—while adding a little “BOOM” along the way. That “BOOM”—his unique energy and passion—is something that comes naturally.

Looking ahead, CJ’s vision continues to expand. He is developing a project-based Entrepreneurship Master Program curriculum through the University of Evansville’s Community Changemaker Challenge Initiative—an effort that could help reshape graduate-level education. He is also guiding 18 students through launching new ventures, supporting existing startups, and preparing to welcome 25 new students into the program this fall.

Outside the classroom, CJ remains deeply committed to community impact. He is working alongside his business partner, Delisa Payne, CEO of Nerdz World, LLC, to launch a new software platform aimed at improving quality of life in Evansville and beyond. He is also completing a self-help book and actively supporting local initiatives alongside community leaders, including his nonprofit foundation brother, Courtney, founder of Young & Established.

And somehow, he still finds time to do what he loves—dancing, writing, connecting with people, and DJing as “DJCJ.” Through events like DJ Takeover, CJ brings together top DJ talent from across the region and beyond for unforgettable nights of music, energy, and community connection.

CJ is committed to creating opportunities, building connections, and leaving a lasting impact on Evansville.

One final thing, do not challenge this man to a dance-off.

Thanks for shining your light in our city, Chris! The Evansville region is better because of you. 

Photography Credit:Studio Expressions by Jessica